The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-04-23


under the mullen leaves, and passed {
comfortable Winter with other insects il
like cases.
Many quiet charities went on, and slow
ly the flowers we're forced to confess that
the new plan was not failure, for the
world still stood, though a queen ruled
Never had the meadow been SO beautiful
orderly and prosperous. Even the Car
dinals could not deny that, though they
still turned their backs on Violet, and Wis
tied the Golden rods more than. ever.
The Asters, of course, were in great
feather, and some Of them put on airs;
but most of them rejoiced quietly, and
did their best to help her Majesty rule
wisely and justly, sure that in time pre-
JUDGES would die away, and all agree that
the new plan was good one.
Prince Golden-rod. as they called the
defeated flower, still lived in the palace,
and watched for Violet to fail, that be
might win back his own place. But,
when all went well, he began to think his
chance was lost, and to consider what he
had best do about it. He could not live
so near his lovely neighbor and not adj
mire her dignity, sweetness and wisdom;
and soon he began to love her, and wish
he could share the honor and affection
most of her subjects felt for her. He told
his friends to come to court and be
cordial; and, being worldly wise, they
obeyed him. This left the Cardinals and
their party out in the cold, and made them
very angry. They could not bear to own
that they had been in the wrong, yet
felt that it must come, and tried to con-
quer their prejudices, but found it very
hard work. Olematis gave in first, for
suddenly she began to climb up the Ma
pie Tree, and enjoy the light and air, in
stead of hiding in the grass; and, when
asked about this sudden start, she said,
bravely:-
ct couldn't live so near the queen, and
not long to be stronger and nobler than
I was. Now see what large, lovely
world it is; and mean to go on climbing
till, like the Maple, my head is near the
sky, though my roots are in the EARTH"
"Well, if she gives in, we must" said
the Gentians, who always followed the
fashion, no matter what it was.
The aristocratic Cardinals still held
out, but not for long; for soon something
happened which made it impossible for
them to refuse to go to court.
One moonlight night, as Prince Gold
enrol was Economically serenading Violet
on wind harp, he heard her sigh, and
hastily pulling away the screen of ferns,
begged to know il he could help her in
any way.
"Be my friend, and help me with adj
vice; for in some things you are wiser
than l." answered Violet, softly. The
Maple lifts my heart up when it is heavy,
but he lives so far above us I cannot
trouble him with the cares of our. small
world. The Rock gives me courage and
support; but he is very old, and the short
life OF flower is trihe to him. My own
sturdy sisters, who have borne the sun
and dust of the roadside season after
season, are very helpful; but seem to
need some nearer friend, who knows the
trials of this high place, and can sympa-
thize with the splendid loneliness of a
throne"
at need not be lonely, sweet neigh
Dor, if you will let me share it with you,"
cried the Prince, his face shining with
love and JOY, as heleaned yet nearer over
the green wall at have learned much
from you, and never again can be the self
ish tyrant that was. know your trials,
and long to tighten them. Let me try,
not as king, but consort; and together
we can make our people happy, l am
sure"
AS he spoke, Violet's half-folded leaves
began to open till he saw the golden
heart below, and read there more than
her lips told.
"No, be king; there is room for both
upon the throne; and when love and pow
er go hand IN hand, all Will be we'll with
the world"
What the Prince answered only the
Moon heard, and she never told; but
when day dswned there was great won
der and rejoicing in the meadow, for the
fern screen was down, the gold and pur-
pie flowers stood side by side, while the
Maple scattered rosy leaves over them as
he sung wedding hymn, and the old
Rock said, as the sunshine fell upon his
gray front:
at is always so. Only believe, work
and wait; and in the fullness of time
right wins, and justice, truth and love
shall reign" -LouiSd II. Alcott, IN Wo-
man Suffrage Bazaar Journal.